Monday, August 2, 2010

living | smugglers notch state park stowe vermont

smitten with smugglers notch... We continued our exploration of Vermont's state parks this past weekend with a camping trip out to Smuggler's Notch State Park in Stowe, Vermont. We had an absolutely fabulous weekend nestled in the heart of Vermont's gorgeous green mountains. Even the weather was perfect. Warm during the day and sweater cold at night.

The trip out to Stowe has always been one of my favorite road trips. It is a five hour ramble over mountain ranges and across pastoral farm land. No highways. No clutter. Simply the most scenic views every which way you turned.

You take a breath taking zig zagged climb up the mountain past ginormous boulders that line each sharp curve. As soon as you crest the top of the mountain, you'll come to Smuggler's Notch State Park. A quick stroll down a path and we arrive at our perfect site. Located completely private in the woods, you immediately hear the chatter of the cascading waterfalls that flow just a short walk away.

The trail path along Bingham Falls in the campground was an easy walk for us all to take. The falls themselves are modest and quite serene. When the sunlight dabbles through the trees to glisten on the water, it is downright magical.

We stopped often to snack on a couple of blackberries or to check out some cool mushrooms. The forests floors were alive with Indian Pipes, moss, mushrooms and wildflowers galore.

Outside the campground, the towns of Stowe and Waterbury provide great get-aways. If you are into trails for walking, biking, whatever... Stowe is your town. The entire town is connected via a huge expanse of trails that cross over old trestle bridges and take your through the woods.

We had to make a special stop in Waterbury at Cold Hallow Cider Mills. I had heard word of their donuts prior to ever heading out there. Gourmet magazine had named their cider donuts one of the top four donuts in the country. They did not disappoint. Warm, apple spiced goodness served to in a light, airy donut. Later that day, we regretted that we only bought one each.

First Maidstone, now Smuggler's. Vermont has provided us with another fabulous camping adventure this summer. We're already planning on coming back to both parks, only next time we'd like to stay a few days longer.

That looks great! I was just planning a potential camping weekend to Smuggler's Notch for this summer. We are from Maine as well, and I love that meandering path through the mountains to get to Vermont. My mouth is already watering at the picture of the cider doughnuts. We'll be tent camping with our 7 and 8yo boys. Any opinions on the best camp sites in the park?

welcome Tina! you and your boys will have a blast at Smuggler's. our site was T02 and it was perfect for a family of four. private and scenic with a babbling stream running along side. the whole campground was pretty nice, but i suggest booking a site that is along the outside perimeter of the park loop.

Found you on the VT state park site while looking for more personal info on Smuggler's Notch. We're in Stowe right now getting ready to leave through that area hoping to see beautiful views. We loved the drive here from Maine as well -- just gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your lovely photos.